Former Alabama Women’s Tennis Standout Captures First ITF Women’s Circuit Singles Title in Egypt
2/5/2018 10:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt. – Alabama women's tennis alumni Erin Routliffe captured her first professional ITF Women's Circuit singles title at the $15,000 Sharm El Sheikh Tournament in Egypt on Sunday. Routliffe defeated Nadja Gilchrist of the United States, 6-3, 7-5, for the title.
Routliffe, who plays for New Zealand, rolled past five opponents to secure the victory. In the first round, Routliffe topped Irina Ramialison (France), 3-6, 6-4, 7-5, and later edged Anna Bondar (Hungary), 6-7(5), 6-3, 7-6(4), in round two.
After dropping the first set, 4-6, in the quarterfinal round, Routliffed rallied back in sets two and three to defeat Helene Scholsen (Belgium), 6-4, 7-5, to stay alive.
In the semifinal round, Routliffe toppled YeXin Ma (China), 6-3, 7-6(6), to set up the final-round victory over Gilhrist for the title.
During her time at the Capstone, Routliffe became the first player in Alabama history to earn First Team All-SEC honors in all four years. One of the most successful doubles players in Alabama history, the four-time All-American and teammate Maya Jansen became just the third pairing in NCAA history to win back-to-back NCAA Doubles Championships (2014 and 2015). Furthermore, Routliffe finished as the runner-up in last year's doubles championship match with teammate Maddie Pothoff.
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